OUR VIEW: Sustaining progress must be goal for '14

Sunday

Dec 22, 2013 at 4:00 AM

Some would consider the number 13 to be unlucky. Not for the Mohawk Valley. The year 2013 is shaping up to be anything but that; in fact, it could be a pivotal year for a region that has been on the skids for much too long. Our collective goal now is to maintain the momentum and build on the successes.

Some would consider the number 13 to be unlucky. Not for the Mohawk Valley. The year 2013 is shaping up to be anything but that; in fact, it could be a pivotal year for a region that has been on the skids for much too long. Our collective goal now is to maintain the momentum and build on the successes.

And successes there are. They were recognized earlier this month when the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council was named a Top Performer in the state's economic development competition. The reward: $82.4 million in funding and tax incentives that will provide a significant boost to many of the efforts now under way, ranging from Utica's Harbor Point to nanotechnology in Marcy.

How we got from here to there is no fluke. The successes can be attributed to two key factors — perseverance and partnerships among local leaders who have maintained a firm commitment to this region and the crafting of a collective plan for revival.

But we've only just begun. The millions of dollars coming to the region must be a catalyst for the change that will now be necessary to carry the plan forward. Much work lies ahead.

Harbor Point

The state awards package includes $5 million to conduct environmental studies and clean up at the Utica harbor site, where development is budding after years of delays.

The winning formula here is continuity. Visible progress first came under former Mayor David Roefaro, when the Holiday Inn Express was built; his successor, Mayor Robert Palmieri, has continued — a new Fairfield Inn and Suites is coming soon — plus he has forged a solid relationship with Canal Corporation Director Brian Stratton, and both state and city are pulling in the same direction. That's refreshing. The goal now is to work out a plan on the siting of the canal operations and to move ahead with harbor development. Linking the harbor to other parts of the city like Bagg's Square must be part of the plan, too. Together, these two developing spots could prove a vibrant part of the regional package.

Nanotechnology

In October, state and local officials gathered at SUNYIT in Marcy with Gov. Cuomo to announce that $1.5 billion will be invested in nanotechnology at the college, bringing 1,000 jobs to the college's Computer Chip Commercialization Center. A SEMATECH consortium of computer chip companies is expected to bring hundreds more.

Planning for Quad C at SUNYIT began four years ago, and investment — and job projections — have grown significantly since. An initial state investment of $45 million has grown to $200 million, and 500 anticipated jobs now stand at about 1,500. If nanotech manufacturing at nearby plants comes to fruition — public and private investment there has been pegged at $45 billion — it could mean as many as 5,000 jobs.

Economic fallout from such development would be like nothing we've seen in recent times. It would mean growth in all directions — satellite businesses, housing, education and beyond. Quad C is expected to be completed by the end of 2014, and who knows what will follow. Millions have been committed to the Economic Development Council in support of the nano project, related workforce development and loan fund for community revitalization, business retention and expansion projects. We need to get out in front of this initiative now to make sure that the workforce, housing, services and other needs will be available to sustain the growth. These issues must be addressed with the same vigilance that brought us this far.

Utica Auditorium

Part of any community package is the amenities it offers. Utica's auditorium was showing its age, but thanks to a highly successful Utica College hockey program, accented this year with an AHL franchise, the old place has been given new life. The recent grant package included $700,000 for renovations — improvements that can help improve both hockey programs and also create an attractive venue for other events. The Aud is an asset to the entire region, and efforts to keep it current can only help. In the coming year, the improvements must continue — and that should include safe, convenient parking across from the facility on Whitesboro Street, as recommended by Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente. Lack of parking can be a detriment to the Aud or any business, and it needs to be a priority as we move ahead.